Oakland Athletics No Longer Need Coco Crisp

This season has been a series of disappointments for the Oakland Athletics. To top it off, the Athletics just traded away their veteran ace Scott Kazmir and it is now becoming clear that the A’s are not going to make a run at the postseason this year.  However, one letdown that has not affected the Athletics in the slightest is the absence of Coco Crisp.

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Crisp started off the season on the disabled list after some elbow discomfort caused by bone spurs. He had to go under arthroscopic surgery and missed the first month of the season. When he returned in early May, he only played in 13 games before landing back on the DL – this time with neck issues. This neck injury has been a problem for Crisp since last season, and after further inspection by doctors, it appeared as though Crisp would need career ending surgery to completely fix the problem.

Crisp opted not to undergo surgery and simply chose to rest his neck as well as receive alternative therapy methods. It has been almost two month since this Crisp started his second stint on the DL, but it seems as though he may begin his rehab assignment soon since he took batting practice on Tuesday at the O.Co Coliseum. However, the Oakland Athletics no longer have a need for this veteran outfielder.

Rookie Billy Burns has stepped up and successfully taken on the role as the scintillating lead off hitter. He is currently batting .310 and has a 1.22 OPS when swinging at the first pitch. Additionally, he is just as dynamic in the field as Crisp. He can cover the expansive center field well and is not afraid to go airborne in order to make a diving catch. His speed also helps him when it comes to baserunning. Burns has successfully stolen 20 bases this season – the most of any rookie in the MLB.

Additionally, Oakland now has more outfielders than they need. In addition to Burns, the A’s have Sam Fuld, Josh Reddick, Jake Smolinski, Mark Canha, Craig Gentry, who is currently in Triple-A, and Ben Zobrist – at least for now as the trade rumors continue to grow surrounding this utility man. The Athletics really do not need another outfielder. Especially one that is not completely healthy.

Unfortunately, the A’s cannot trade Crisp due to a no-trade clause in his contract. However, it is unlikely that any team would actually want him after his injury history. If Crisp does return from the disabled list this season, the A’s should not give him his starting position back. He will be ineffective and will most likely end up with another injury since his neck injury will never be completely fixed until he has surgery.

Sadly for Crisp, it seems as though his major league baseball career is coming to an end. However, he is still under contract with the Athletics until after the conclusion of the 2016 season. The A’s are going to have to move someone either when he returns from the DL either this season or during the offseason. It will be interesting to see how the Athletics will shift the roster around in order to make room for a player they no longer need.

Next: Three Reasons the Oakland Athletics Should Promote Barry Zito